Ira Singh 
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday inaugurated the 10th World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF 2026) at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, innovators and researchers from across the world to advance practical solutions for a circular economy.Being held from September 15 to 18 under the theme “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity”, the forum marks the first time that WCEF is being hosted in South Asia.
Addressing the inaugural session, Bhupendra Patel said the hosting of WCEF in India reflects the country’s growing global leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Mission LiFE is emerging as a foundation for the global circular economy and expressed confidence that the forum would showcase practical circular economy practices for the world.Patel highlighted Gujarat’s efforts to balance environmental conservation with economic development. Referring to traditional practices, he cited the example of offerings at the Somnath Temple being recycled into reusable resources while generating livelihoods for local communities.He said the principles of reuse and converting waste into wealth have long been part of Indian traditions and called for WCEF 2026 to embody the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” by developing practical circular solutions for the world.
Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel says, "Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed the world years ago the way to make environment and development partners rather than competitors. He has not only presented a model of development but also given the mantra of… pic.twitter.com/bkTVGmRb87
— IANS (@ians_india) September 15, 2026
In his keynote address, Bhupender Yadav said circular economy for India is “not a new destination; it is a new way of looking at an old wisdom”. He said practices such as repair, reuse and resource conservation have been deeply embedded in Indian society.“Repair before replace, reuse before discard, and recover before waste” reflects India’s traditional approach to resource use, Yadav said, adding that economic growth and environmental protection should not be viewed as competing objectives.He said the real measure of a circular economy should be how little value is allowed to go to waste, rather than simply how much waste is recycled.Yadav highlighted India’s shift towards a circular economy through regulatory reforms, digital compliance systems, sector-specific waste management rules and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks.
As of August 2026, more than 83,000 producers and 4,802 recyclers were registered under various EPR frameworks, with nearly 482.24 lakh metric tonnes of waste processed across regulated waste streams, he said.The Union Minister stressed that regulation alone cannot create a circular economy, saying circularity must begin with consumption patterns. Referring to Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), he said the transition must begin in the marketplace, continue in homes and eventually become a daily habit.
Calling circularity inherently collaborative, Yadav said no country, company or community can close the loop alone. He emphasised the need for knowledge, technology, finance and responsibility to move across borders and sectors.He also highlighted India’s international cooperation in the sector, including the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC), launched during India’s G20 Presidency. He noted that India’s BRICS Chairship has also placed circular economy alongside sustainable lifestyles, ecosystem restoration and adaptation as interconnected priorities.
Addressed the World Eonomy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat today along with Chief Minister Shri @Bhupendrapbjp ji.
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) September 15, 2026
Stated it is a significant achievement that BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026, adopted during India’s BRICS Chairship recognises sustainability as an integral… pic.twitter.com/2rG34Yko0p
Gujarat Environment Minister Arjun Modhvadia recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s message that the Earth has enough to meet everyone’s needs but not everyone’s greed. He said Gujarat is being positioned as a global hub for the circular transition and called for converting waste into resources and resources into value.Finland Ambassador to India Mikko Kivikoski said circularity has become an integral part of Finland’s national policy and is a fundamental approach to economic growth. He highlighted Finland’s ambition to keep resource consumption below 2015 levels by 2035 and noted that more than 100 Finnish companies operating in India are working with sustainable technologies and circular principles.
Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Deputy Director General for Circular Economy Marieke Spijkerboer said the circular transition is an integral part of Dutch industrial policy, with the country aiming to become fully circular by 2050. She stressed the importance of international cooperation in building circular value chains.
The inaugural session was attended by Gujarat Minister of State for Forests and Environment Pravin Mali, along with senior officials from the governments of India and Gujarat and representatives from Finland, the Netherlands, Argentina and Brazil.The dignitaries also reviewed the WCEF 2026 exhibition featuring more than 125 national and international exhibitors showcasing practical circular solutions and business models. The forum is witnessing participation from over 3,600 stakeholders representing 62 countries, including businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, academicians and innovators.
Two publications, “Best Practices for Reuse of Treated Sewage” and “Driving Sustainability - A Guide to India's Circular Economy and EPR Initiatives”, were also released during the inaugural session.The forum is jointly organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Central Pollution Control Board, Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Government of Finland, Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Pollution Control Board.The four-day event will feature plenary and thematic sessions covering areas including artificial intelligence, green energy, sustainable finance, governance and the start-up ecosystem. The event will also feature an international expo showcasing innovative solutions for circular business models.The valedictory session will be attended by Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh and Finland’s Environment Minister Sari Multala, followed by 80 accelerator sessions hosted globally on September 17 and 18.
(State Correspondent)
